Are Bubble Tea Straws Recyclable?

The simple answer to this question is that it depends. This is because the recyclability of bubble tea straws all boils down to the material they are made from. Bubble tea straws that are made from either paper or reusable materials such as stainless steel or silicone can indeed be recycled. Whereas bubble tea straws made from plastic, typically polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), are not recyclable.

Let’s look at these different types of straws in more detail.

The Different Types of Bubble Tea Straws 

Plastic Bubble Tea Straws

Plastic bubble tea straws are commonly used in bubble tea shops, typically made from flexible plastics polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), which are commonly used in food packaging. Unfortunately, not all recycling facilities accept or process these types of straws due to their composition, size and shape, and a result, plastic bubble tea straws typically contribute to plastic waste pollution.

In China, the government has banned the use of disposable plastic in restaurants this year as part of its newest five-year plan, including plastic bubble tea straws in shops and cafes. 

Paper Bubble Tea Straws

With an increased emphasis on environmentally friendly practices, more and more recyclable bubble tea straws are now available. This means you can enjoy this delicious drink while also helping the environment by reducing plastic waste.

Paper straws, made from, you name it… paper, have become a very popular alternative to plastic straws, with many food and drink retailers around the world now using them as a sustainable consumption solution. Now, don’t worry, they’ll still provide you with all the sucking power of a usual plastic straw, only these new eco-friendly paper bubble tea straws are much better for the environment.

You might also be thinking, ‘can paper straws really break the cup seal?’. The simple answer to this is, absolutely! These straws are strong enough to break plastic seals and suck up those tapioca pearls and other toppings with ease.

At Bubblebase, our regular straws are fully compostable and we also offer reusable straws to purchase, so that you can use your very own straw time and time again! This brings us nicely onto the third type of straw.

Reusable Bubble Tea Straws 

Reusable straws are another popular alternative to the normal single-use plastic straws, and are typically made from food-grade materials such as stainless steel, silicone, glass, or bamboo. Each one of these materials has its own unique characteristics and benefits.

Popular reusable materials for bubble tea straws include:

• Silicone - Silicone bubble tea straws are soft, flexible, and safe for people of all ages. They are often foldable, making them handy to carry around in your handbag or pocket when you’re out and about. 
• Stainless steel - Stainless steel straws are another popular type, and are in fact one of the safest and most convenient types of straws. They are long-lasting, easy to clean and won’t harbour bacteria like other materials can, so are one of the most hygienic options as well.
• Bamboo - Bamboo is known for its enormous positive impact on the environment, with many single-use household and day-to-day products now being made from this sustainable, biodegradable material. Bamboo straws are therefore a great environmental alternative, not to mention their lightweight and organic properties. 

When visiting a bubble tea shop, inquire with the staff if they have reusable straws available for purchase.

Remember, if you want to make your reusable straw last, ensure you clean it properly after each use and store it safely so that it remains hygienic and long-lasting. Some reusable bubble tea straws come with cleaning brushes so that no part inside the straw will be left un cleaned. Some reusable straws are also dishwasher safe, but make sure you check on the packaging or with the seller first. 

How Wide Are Bubble Tea Straws?

Great question! The diameter of bubble tea straws are much wider than normal straws, however the exact measurements will vary depending on the brand and style. That being said, most bubble tea straws have a diameter ranging from around 0.4 inches (10 mm) to 0.5 inches (12 mm), and should be wide enough to ensure tapioca pearls and other bubble tea toppings, such as jelly or popping boba, can be sucked up effortlessly. 

And there we have it! We hope this has given you a better insight into which straws you should be looking out for when consuming bubble tea, whether that be at home or at a bubble tea shop. 

-

We are Bubblebase: Wales’ first Bubble Tea Bar. We believe in using the best quality ingredients to consistently serve our customers with a delicious range of drinks that have not only been created with utmost care, but also with the sharpest appearance.

‍Order online with our exclusive Bubblebase app and earn 9 stamps free when you register! Or place your order through our delivery partners and get Bubblebase delivered right to your doorstep.